Srinagar, December 14: It has been tough going for ‘Coachless’ State Football Academy (SFA) turned Sports Council-XI for the Premier League J&K tournament as they on Sunday suffered its third straight defeat.
Fielded in the tournament with the name of Sports Council -XI as it was not complying with age rules for Academy, the team has played all its matches without its main coach Mehraj ud Din Wadoo who has been busy with commentating on television for Indian Super League.
On Sunday Sports Council XI were easily defeated by Kashmir Avengers FC by 2-0 goals in the match of the tournament hosted by Sports Council.
The match was played at home ground of Sports Council XI, Synthetic Turf TRC ground and still they were unable to take any advantage of that.
Infact team has failed to show any kind of resistance in all its matches so far or take any home advantage.
In the match played on Sunday Kashmir Avengers attacked from the start and it was Farhan who gave them an early lead.
Avengers continued dominance as Sakib scored another goal before the end of first half for them.
The second half turned out as goalless with both the teams trying thier best to match each other’s move.
While it was third consecutive defeat for Sports Council side in the tournament, for Kashmir Avengers has registered second straight win.
However sources close to Sports Council said that Mehraj is incharge of the academy and isn’t required to be with the team all the time.
” Team is not ‘coachless’, instead it has got more senior coach with it. Yes Mehraj presence would have boosted the morale of the team and players but due to personal reasons he hasn’t been able to be present himself during the matches, ” Source said.
About Television expert duties sources said that Mehraj is not personally present in studio instead is extending his ideas and opinions through virtual mode.
“Mehraj is known figure in Indian football circles. He is giving his expert opinion in virtual mode and not personally present in studio, ” Source added.